English words Flashcards
What is a simile?
a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g., as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox ).
What is a Metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. Here are the basics: A metaphor states that one thing is another thing.
What is an oxymoron?
a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g. faith unfaithful kept him falsely true ).
“that fashionable rhetorical novelty, the humblebrag, is itself an oxymoron”
What is an onomatopoeia?
the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g. cuckoo, sizzle ).
“a relatively large number of bird names arise by onomatopoeia”
the use of onomatopoeia for literary effect.
“the language in her picture books is notable for its playfulness and onomatopoeia”
What is juxtaposition?
the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
“the juxtaposition of these two images”
What is an alliteration?
the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
“the alliteration of “sweet birds sang””
What is an allusion?
an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
“an allusion to Shakespeare”
What is an assonance?
in poetry, the repetition of the sound of a vowel or diphthong in nonrhyming stressed syllables near enough to each other for the echo to be discernible (e.g., penitence, reticence ).
“the use of assonance throughout the poem creates the sound of despair”
What is a hyperbole?
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
“he vowed revenge with oaths and hyperboles”
What is a personification?
he attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
a figure intended to represent an abstract quality. plural noun: personifications "the design on the franc shows Marianne, the personification of the French republic"
What is irony?
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
““Don’t go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony”
What is a paradox?
A paradox is a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one’s expectation. It is a statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion.
What is dramatic irony?
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
““Don’t go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony”
What is verbal irony?
Verbal irony is found in plays, speeches, and literature when someone says something that is sharply different from the reality of the situation. Verbal irony, unlike dramatic and situational irony, is used intentionally by the speaker.
What is situational irony?
Situational irony is the irony of something happening that is very different to what was expected. Some everyday examples of situational irony are a fire station burning down, or someone posting on Twitter that social media is a waste of time.
